Super Systems Inc. (SSi) announced the promotion of Jim Oakes from vice president of business development to president. Oakes has been with SSi for 15 years in various roles, but he has always been focused on positioning the company as a leader of sensors, controls and software in the heat-treating industry. Oakes has served the industry not only at SSi but through volunteer work on the board of trustees and as board president for both the Metal Treating Institute (2019-present) and ASM Heat Treating Society (2017-2019). 

Armil CFS Inc. shipped a hydraulic pusher furnace designed to burn out and preheat investment-casting molds to a Midwest manufacturer of marine propulsion components. The furnace, which includes an automated tray extraction system and return conveyor, is designed to push a 48-inch-wide tray holding investment-casting molds up to 18 inches high. The combustion system is configured to promote clean firing of ceramic molds at temperatures up to 2150°F (1177°C).

After much analysis, feedback from attendees and the uncertainty of COVID-19, the MTI Board of Trustees has approved transition to a virtual format for Furnaces North America 2020. Attendees will be able to experience the virtual exhibit hall for free. For those wanting to view the three live panel discussions and 35 technical sessions, FNA is offering a special for attendees of $199 for each of the first two registrants from a company and $49 for every person after that. To qualify, everyone must register on the same online registration form. 

Tenova LOI Thermprocess, a global company in the field of heat-treatment plants based in Essen, Germany, underwent a change in its management.

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A medical technology manufacturer ordered Despatch conveyor ovens to help produce COVID-19 diagnostic testing systems. Perforated plenums above the belt create a laminar flow that will keep the small, lightweight parts from being disturbed. Fresh-air ports were added to support the positive chamber pressure needed to achieve the required temperature uniformity of ±9°F (±5°C). The continuous belt design is suited for large quantities of similar workpieces being processed.

According to a report, Spain’s Alcorta Forging Group will open its first U.S. manufacturing operations and regional headquarters in Marysville, Ohio. The 100-year-old company, which develops and manufactures automotive components, will invest $15 million and create 50 new jobs. The 150,000-square-foot forging and manufacturing facility will be completed in three phases and include state-of-the-art machinery and equipment. Under the current uncertain circumstances, Alcorta will move forward with its pre-construction activities while remaining on hold for the construction launch.

A hot isostatic press (HIP) from Quintus Technologies will enable Italy’s Flame Spray SpA, a thermal-spray coatings provider, to respond to growing demand for densification and heat treatment as additive manufacturing (AM) increasingly takes hold in aerospace parts production. The press will streamline the workflow by integrating the ability to stress relieve, HIP, heat treat and age parts in a single cycle. The combination of high pressure and heat treatment (HPHT) in one system enhances efficiency and reduces per-unit processing costs while generating savings in space, energy and infrastructure. Uniform rapid cooling (URC) capability minimizes thermal distortion and non-uniform grain growth, producing finished parts with optimal material properties.

Industrial Heating, in cooperation with the Metal Treating Institute and the MTI Educational Foundation, invites you to nominate an MTI member company for the 2020 Commercial Heat Treater of the Year award. Applications must be received no later than July 31, 2020. 

Wisconsin Oven shipped two indirect-fired, two-zone conveyor ovens that will heat composite materials used in the manufacturing process of electric utility equipment. The first work-zone chamber has dimensions of 35 feet wide x 6 feet, 4 inches long x 4 feet, 2 inches high. The second work-zone camber has work dimensions of 35 feet wide x 12 feet, 4 inches long x 4 feet, 2 inches high. The ovens can heat 10,240 pounds of composite materials. There is one profile opening at each end of the oven for entrance and exit of materials, and each oven is equipped with two industrial tube-fired burners.